Has the GNI team used the word “indoorsy” to describe our general vibe on many occasions? Yes. But do we also suddenly gravitate to lengthy discussions about water bottles for hiking, the best cross-body bags, and the coolest bike shorts? Strong yes. This summer, “utilitarian outdoorsy” is our mood. Regardless if we’re just running a quick (masked!) errand or actually going on a hike, we're outfitted to be ready for anything. If you’re as passionate about sensible, supportive summer footwear as we are, take a look at some of our favorite picks below for your extremely functional summer. Main Image Credit: @teva on Instagram
"All this time outdoors in ~nature~ has my allergies on the fritz. Hilma provides my sinuses a little extra support so I can actually enjoy all the fresh air." Katrina, GNI Team
This is the ideal vessel for a short walk, commute, or carrying a small bag. It's flexible and fits in anything because you can collapse it as you drink.
Taking an early morning stroll and prefer a coffee or tea to a bottle of water? This is Alisha's favorite travel mug. It keeps drinks hot or cold, and has a lid with a small slit for drinking on the go.
I am a mosquito magnet and regularly come home with bug bits if I'm out past dusk. I've searched high and low for an insect repellant that is deet-free and also doesn't smell like I bathed in citronella. Kinfield's spray is lightly scented and doesn't feel sticky when you apply." - Olivia, GNI Team
"Supergoops's Defense Refresh Mist is a great makeup setter, but since I haven't been wearing makeup lately, it's just become my go-to for reapplying SPF during the day. I even have a travel size version that I keep in tote bag for weekend trips and long walks outside." - Katrina, GNI Team
This Black-owned beauty brand makes sunscreen for all skin types and all skin tones without leaving that white film residue we all know too well.
Our pick for the avid hikers and adventurers...or anyone who's tired of carrying their water around.
Not every outing requires a full backpack of supplies, and this roomy neoprene fanny pack is the perfect solution. It's also great for wearing indoors and out when you don't have any pockets!
We love Baboon to the Moon's unique sturdy and water-resistant material. This bag is perfect for taking to the park for the day, or even as beach bag that you can safely leave on the sand.
This bag is IT. Function, fashion it has it all. We love it so much, we're speechless.
Yes, this is a backpack for your dog, and bag dogs are a thing. Sometimes your pups want to come along for a bike ride, or get tired after 3 hours of hiking, and this is way better than leaving them at home. They're available for dogs big and small.
This bag has 90's written all over it. It's the L.L Bean bag we all had as a kid, but make it sporty. It's lite and spacious and can hold your groceries, your beach towel, or just sunscreen, water and a good book.
We never thought we'd see the day we took on a light hiking hobby. For woodsy walks, these are the pick — just don't forget a hammock.
"Birkenstocks are the ultimate ugly-but-not-actually shoe, and I've been wearing them for years. The second they released these synthetic waterproof and lightweight sandals with support, I ordered a pair in white. They're just as comfortable as the traditional style, but feel weightless on your feet." Katrina, GNI Team
Take a Teva but make it fashion. Platforms are in, Tevas are in, Earth tones are in, and here you have the perfect shoe.
Visors aren't just for moms and tennis players anymore. This one from Kinfield gets the message across and lets everyone know you're here to relax.
We're all about sun safety and staying cool this summer. This UPF 50+ rated hat has a built-in sweatband, is water resistant and floats. You can also tuck the back flap as needed.
Richer Poorer's Fleece Sweats are the PERFECT sweatpant. They're not too baggy, not too long, soft, warm and come in so many colors. It's a little too hot to wear them all day, but they're just right for cool summer nights.
The RecTrek pants are our sporty alternative to sweats. Their performance material makes them comfortable for hiking or fitness, but they're fitted enough to wear out and about when you make your way back to gatherings with friends or to the office.
The Align Joggers are one of our most-clicked GNI Newsletter recs because of their butter-soft material and slim jogger shape. Team GNI wears them regularly year-round.
If I'm wearing a windbreaker, it's going to be this cropped one in lilac. Tie it around your waist, or fold it up into your backpack to pull out when you need it.
Target's activewear is a steal and really high-quality, especially their Joy Lab line. We love this cropped bra top in GNI green.
These are the shorts we swap in when it's too dang hot to keep cozy in our sweatpants. They're a light terry cloth fabric, but just as soft as Richer Poorer's classic fleece.
Nike's running shorts have been our go-to for a decade, but we love that they're using sustainable materials in their current tempo style (and we love all the color options too).
Baggies have become the unofficial, official shorts of the season. They come in a variety of patterns, colors, sizes, and lengths with men's, women's, and children's styles, so literally everyone can wear them. But act fast because these shorts sell out like crazy!
You can do anything in a dress, especially when it has a full-out unitard built in with a POCKET.
"I have officially switched over to skorts this summer. I love wearing bike shorts, but feel like I have to style them right when I walk outside. This skourt feels just as comfortable and I love the look!" Katrina, GNI Team
We'd be remiss if we shared our favorite outdoorsy looks and didn't include a jumpsuit like this loose and flowy style from Athleta. We love the bright hue.
Aritzia's shorts are another summer staple for their lower price point and soft material. Catch GNI Founder Alisha walking her pup in them on weekend mornings.
It's no surprise that we love the Align short just as much as we adore Lululemon's classic Align pant. Not only are they soft, but they let us move without stretching out or losing shape after a few wears.
Another cult favorite short, Beyond Yoga's spacedye line sells out fast. We recommend their high-waisted shorts because they're so soft you can hardly feel you're wearing them. They're less still than most athletic wear, but still feel supportive when you're out and about.
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